This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Alabama chapter.
One of the reasons I wanted to go to college (besides for the obvious degree that will get me a job) was for the experience. I wanted to get thrown out of my comfort zone and really learn about myself and the world. I’m halfway through and this is what I’ve learned so far…
- No one cares what you do (different from high school). Wear the same T-shirt two days in a row.
- Making connections is the most important thing you can do (professors, peers, that girl you met in the fraternity bathroom).
- That cute boy won’t matter to you in two weeks.
- No one really has their life together; they just act like it. Don’t beat yourself up when you feel like your life is falling to pieces.
- You find out who your real friends are. The ones who call and checkup often, those are your best friends.
- Remind yourself that YOU ROCK. There will be days you feel like a plastic bag floating through the city. That brings me to my next point…
- Everything is temporary: the pain of finals, working 40 hours a week on top of classes, or your best friend studying abroad for an entire semester. Nothing is forever and soon the darkness will pass.
- It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to be stupid.
- Your parents aren’t as bad as you thought during your stubborn high school days. Remind them that you love them.
- It’s not about how many clubs joined or how long your resume is. What matters is the passion you put into the things you do.
- Going off of that, don’t get caught up with your resume. I once watched a TED Talk about the importance of focusing on your eulogy rather than your resume. Think about that for a second.
- GPA matters, but don’t let it define you.
- When you find good people in your life, do not let them go.
- Take advantage of free food. I repeat, take advantage of free food!!
- It goes by quick, so never waste a day. Live in the moment as much as possible.
- Experience everything. Go to that event or that party.
- You’ll regret what you didn’t do, rather than what you did.
- Don’t be afraid to try things. Apply for that position you’re not qualified for.
- Tell your friends you love them, too. They most likely became your home away from home.
- College is the best time of your life.
- Enjoy every second.
I feel like I have learned so much about life in my two short years at the University of Alabama. Obviously I learned a lot in my classes, but I learned even more about the type of person I want to be. Hopefully the next half of college gets me one step closer to the real world (not too quickly though!).